How many different types of chili peppers are there?

It's difficult to give an exact number of chili pepper types, but here's why:

* Species vs. Cultivars: There are about 5 species of chili peppers (Capsicum), but within each species there are countless varieties and cultivars.

* Constantly Evolving: New chili pepper varieties are constantly being developed through breeding and hybridization.

* Regional Variations: Some chili peppers have local names that are specific to a region, making it hard to track all the variations.

Estimates:

* Thousands: Some sources estimate there are thousands of different types of chili peppers.

* Over 100: The Capsicum species alone has over 100 distinct species and varieties.

Instead of a specific number, it's more useful to consider:

* The Scoville Scale: This scale measures the heat of chili peppers.

* Types of chili peppers: There are many classifications based on shape, size, color, and flavor, such as bell peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, ghost peppers, etc.

Ultimately, the number of chili pepper types is vast and continues to grow!